Learning more than just a benefit at Boston Medical Center’s On-Site College

Established in 2005, the Boston Medical Center (BMC) On-Site College enables BMC employees to pursue studies for certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree credit — right in the workplace. With this innovative educational opportunity, BMC is making its mark among Boston employers and accelerating the launch of long-term careers for health care clinicians, administrators and executives.

The College celebrated its first graduation in 2006, with 12 BMC employees completing an 18 degree-credit certificate program in medical interpreting. This year, the College celebrated its second graduation, with employees completing a 37 degree-credit Master of Health Care Management degree program, taught by instructors from Cambridge College.

Discounting price and easing access

Boston University (BU), Cambridge College and Northeastern University have offered BMC employees scholarships equal to as much as 50 percent of on-campus tuition prices. Over the course of a degree program, this literally adds up to thousands of dollars in savings for BMC employees.

Roxbury Community College (RCC) has stepped up to the plate as well, offering smaller class sizes — usually between eight and 12 students — to hospital workers for standard RCC courses. As a result, success rates in RCC’s pre-college and college prerequisite courses at BMC are even higher than those experienced on RCC’s campus.

Representatives from each school work closely with BMC staff to assist employees with registration, offer advice and troubleshoot the registration process. For example, BU now has a BMC Employee Web page for its “50% Scholarship Program,” and Cambridge College offers a bi-monthly BMC visiting day on a year-round basis.

BMC Tuition Assistance to Employees

Both non-unionized and unionized employees at BMC receive generous tuition benefits. Many BMC employees become eligible, after six months of employment, for tuition reimbursement benefits of up to $2,500 per year. Others, who are covered by collective bargaining agreements, may receive tuition vouchers that provide upfront payments to public community colleges and the University of Massachusetts.

In addition, after two years, employees pursuing their first certificate or degree become eligible to compete for the BMC President’s Scholarships. These Scholarships have been awarded to some 35 employees since 2005, 80 percent of whom are people of color and residents of Boston neighborhoods served by BMC.

The Scholarships cover costs that are often hidden, but present very real barriers for those just setting out on health care careers or returning to school as adults with financial and family obligations.

One BMC Unit Coordinator, preparing to become a registered nurse, was able to use President’s Scholarship funds to purchase a stethoscope required for her clinical rounds. A BMC Laboratory Technician worker preparing for a Radiology Technology degree was able to document her childcare costs and was fully reimbursed. She attended every class, and successfully competed with students from around the city for a coveted spot in the degree program.

Employer of Choice

BMC has long been known for providing “Exceptional Care Without Exception.” This approach now applies to its workforce as well. If you believe in yourself and believe that learning is the key to your future, you won’t find a better opportunity or a better fit than Boston Medical Center.For more information, please contact Human Resources at 617-638-8582.